Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fishery resources affected by the 2019 oil spill in Brazil: Short-term environmental health and seafood safety

We present herein a short-term impact on marketed fisheries and human health safety in the first three months following the 2019 oil spill in Brazil. Total PAHs in the edible tissues of 34 finfish and shellfish species ranged from 8.71 to 418 ng g(-1) wet weight, with robust evidence supporting crude oil contamination. A prevalence of low molecular weight PAHs was observed, mainly naphthalenes. A decreasing trend in mean total PAHs from mollusks (134 ng g(-1)) to crustaceans (73.9 ng g(-1)) and to fishes (45.3 ng g(-1)) was noted. The spilled oil caused immediate negative impacts on the local seafood market, despite less than 3% of samples exhibited concentrations above levels of concern, revealing a low probability for human health risks. These findings demonstrate that governments must be prepared to provide not only science-based quick responses but also effective science communication for society upon environmental disasters.

Automated summary

This study investigates the short-term impact of the 2019 oil spill in Brazil on marketed fisheries and human health safety. The results indicate that fish and shellfish exposed to crude oil contamination have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly low molecular weight PAHs. However, despite some samples exceeding safe levels, the potential risks to human health are considered low.